Modern Logs QAL Part 2 – Sewing the Blocks

Now it’s time to take our wonky strips and sew them together into improv Log cabin blocks!
Follow along with the Modern Logs quilt pattern on pages 4-7.

Thinking ahead: you can sew scraps together if you need more length for each of the logs. You can also use either side of the fabric to give your blocks more interest and sparkle. The key is that these blocks are wonky and improv so no two blocks will be exactly the same!

The block below is what I call “super improv”. It has a couple places where I’ve added extra fabric to make the units large enough. I’ve also used both front and back of the low volume Good Vibes fabric.

Video Demo & Chat

As you sew it’s okay to have extra seams or bonus pops of color. Because the improv nature makes it hard to say EXACTLY how much fabric you’ll need, it’s ok to add filler pieces or sew shorter pieces together to get a loner piece. It all just adds to the charm! Notice that I used the same fabric for each round of blocks and all of the front or back, but you can even change that up too.

So now, let’s get to it! I share and indepth chat about making these blocks which you can click play below or watch over on my YouTube channel.

Follow the Modern Logs quilt pattern to sew as many rounds of logs as you need to get them to be slightly larger than the correct unfinished size. I recommend just making a few blocks at a time until you get the hang of it.

Bonus sewing tips:

When you are sewing the logs don’t overthink it! As long as the pattern goes light-dark-light or dark-light-dark it will look good, no matter which colors are in each block. Sew with shorter stitch length and press seams open for nice, flat blocks.

Match up a different light with a different dark for each block you are making for a scrappier look. Try to use different fabrics in each block

Remember to trim your edges even right before you sew it each time. That keeps the edges straight and keeps the chaos under control!

Unlike regular log cabins, you don’t have to sew the blocks in the same order or add strips to the same side of each block. Just remember, the more variety the better. It looks more interesting when the seams aren’t all in the same spot.

Show me your blocks!!

Homework: Finish Sewing all of the Full Blocks and Partial Blocks

Make as many as you need according to the size you are making in the quilt pattern. Just remember: if your leftover strip pieces aren’t long enough to finish a round of logs, either save it for a shorter piece on another block, or sew part of another strip to make it long enough. Or fill in the extra with a leftover scrap from another strip.